Practical Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda

“Essential Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda: Staying Safe and Enjoying Your Trip”

Practical Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda – It is All about Knowing Uganda Before Going

Practical Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda: We suggest, “Know Uganda before you Go.” First-time African visitors will find our Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda most helpful.

African Travel in General and African Travel for Women are not as dangerous as they made. Uganda is one of the safest, most secure Countries in Africa. According to some of Africa’s friendliest and most welcoming people, it is Home to some of Africa’s most familiar and most welcoming people.

Add to that the fact that Africa’s the best English-speaking country in Africa. It might be helpful to familiarize yourself with how English is used here, and its one-of-a-kind local variety is UgLish with phrases such as spewing buffaloes.

The African Travel Horror Stories and myths you might encounter online are anecdotal. The person often did not follow practical, Common Sense, cultural, safety, and security advice and was on a do-it-yourself Safari, usually a recipe for disaster. Read more about debunking Ugandan travel myths.

Practical Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda. It begins with learning about Uganda before going to the Pearl of Africa.

Practical Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda

“Essential Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda: Staying Safe and Enjoying Your Trip”

Know Before You Go!!!

Knowing what to expect is vital if you’re planning a trip to Uganda. Here are some essential travel tips to help you prepare for your visit.’

Traveling to Africa can seem daunting, especially for first-time visitors. However, Uganda is one of Africa’s safest and most secure countries, with friendly and welcoming people. Here are some practical travel tips for women travelers to Uganda.

We highly recommend that you learn much about Ugada before you arrive in Uganda. That is one of the best pieces of advice we can give you.

If you do not know about Uganda, if you do not know what to expect traveling to and around Uganda, you will have less experience than someone who has taken the time to research Uganda. We highly recommend you take some time to learn about Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Read more about why Uganda is the Pearl of Africa.

Practical Travel Tips for Women Travelers to Uganda

Before arriving in Uganda, you will need to do the following:

Plan your time in Uganda:

We suggest that anyone come with fried, the same for women travelers to Uganda. Go with a friend, and you will save money over traveling alone. We suggest that for the best experience, you go with a local and accredited tour operator since it will be a better experience when you visit Uganda with someone who lives and works here.  

Based on years of experience, we are convinced that the safest place for a female traveler in Uganda is on Safari with a local tour operator such as us. B

Before doing anything else, the best thing to do is Plan your time in Uganda. Plan before you buy tickets, get a visa, and get travel insurance. It is time to plan your Safari. Read more about planning a Safari in Uganda.

Why use a local Tour Operator:  you plan your Safari with a local tour operator; they will handle all transportation, accommodations, permits, activities, and anything else you need or want. Read more here.

Things you need to do before you arrive in Uganda:

Get your Ugandan Tourist Visa:

There is only one way for six, or you can get your visa online at the official Ugandan Government website. There are. The cost of a Ugandan Tourist Visa is $50. 

With your online E-visa application, you must submit a passport-size photo, an itinerary of your Safari, and an initiation letter from the tour operator.

This all eases the process of obtaining you getting a visa online. Once you have approved, you will receive a travel to Uganda email with a scan code, and your passport will be duly stamped as you arrive at the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda,

If you visit other East African countries, such as Kenya or Rwanda, we suggest getting an East African Vjsa for $100.

The E-visa process is straightforward. We suggest that you read more about it here, 

Visit your Doctor or a Travel Clinic:

The information provided here is general, and it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your circumstances. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your health and travel plans.

We all want you to stay well during your visit to Uganda, as most visitors and tourists do. We suggest you look at our staying well while visiting the Uganda page.

Get Travel Insurance for your time in Uganda:

Getting travel insurance for your time in Uganda is a good idea. This will protect you in case of any medical emergencies or other unforeseen events. Travel insurance is suitable for unexpected events that may occur during your travels, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. When traveling to Uganda, it is highly recommended that you obtain travel insurance to protect yourself from any unexpected expenses or situations that may arise during your trip.

Here are some of the benefits of travel insurance:

• Medical coverage: If you have a medical emergency in Uganda, travel insurance will cover the cost of your treatment. This includes both in-patient and out-patient care.

• Emergency evacuation: Travel insurance will cover your transportation cost if you need to be evacuated from Uganda due to a medical emergency.

• Baggage loss: If your luggage is lost or stolen while you are in Uganda, travel insurance will reimburse you for the cost of your belongings.

• Trip cancellation: If you must cancel your trip to Uganda for a covered reason, travel insurance will reimburse you for your non-refundable expenses.

Several different travel insurance companies offer policies for Uganda. You can compare policies and prices online or by contacting a travel agent. We do not sell travel insurance but have recommendations. Read more here.

How do I get to Uganda?

Getting to Uganda has become more accessible, with new airlines adding Uganda to their routes. If you live on the East Coast of the US, you can fly directly to Nairobi, Kenya, and continue to Entebbe by taking a one-hour flight.

Uganda can be accessed through its official International Airport – Entebbe, and through the unofficial one, Kigali – Rwanda, where you can access Southwest Uganda, where the Mountain Gorillas are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

A Ugandan or East African Tourist Visa must be obtained online before your flight to Uganda.

Fly into Entebbe, where you obtain your Visa and begin your Safari, ending in Kigali, Rwanda, after Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest.

Uganda Airlines is starting up again on routes all over Africa and to Europe with brand-new airplanes,

You can get here from the US or Canada with Brussels Airline, KLM, Emirates, Qatar, Turkish and Egypt Air, Ethiopian, and Kenya Airways. Read the Entebbe Airport information page for tourists, making the arrival and departure process much more manageable.

What should I wear?

In a city like Kampala or Entebbe, things are different from the upcountry. You will find that most women dress up nicely and are fashion-conscious, even if they mostly wear quality and affordable second-hand clothing from North America and Europe.

What should I wear? What you will wear during your time in Uganda depends on the purpose of your trip. If it is for business, then you should wear business attire. If you come as a volunteer, it depends on what you will be doing here.

If you are coming for a safari, that too depends on the activities that you will be doing. Dressing for a primate trekking safari, hiking, or climbing activity differs from going on game drives in a savannah park in Uganda.

It is all about dressing for the Occasion. You will find more information below.

What to wear in Kampala or Entebbe:

What to wear on Safari

What to wear for Gorilla Trekking:

What should I pack for My trip to Uganda?

What you need to pack for your trip to Uganda depends on why you visit the country. If you are coming on business, we suggest that you dress more formally for a convention—Ugandans like to dress smart, especially in the capital city of Kampala.

If you are coming for a Safari, what you will pack will depend on the type of Safari you will be on. 

Check with your airline as to luggage limitations from your country. North Americans will have more generous luggage limitations than Europeans.

• Packing for a Safari: This page covers general safaris and gives you a packing list you can download.

• Gorilla Trekking Safari:  Gorilla Trekking requires different clothing and gear, as does a Savannah Park Safari.

• Fly-In Safari:  On a Flying Safari, you deal with weight restrictions of 15kg. You can have more luggage, but there is an excess charge.

• What to wear in town: In Kampala, Entebbe, dressing smart is what Ugandans would recommend.

As you can see, coming for a Safari, you will need to pack differently than coming as a volunteer or business visitor. While visiting Uganda, every visitor should plan to spend a few days in the African Wild, even on a mini safari. Read more here.

What do I do with my Jewelry and Watches?

Avoid wearing gold jewelry, necklaces, gold or diamond earrings, expensive watches, etc. It is especially true if you are walking the streets of Kampala. There are pickpockets – on a safari itself, you are excellent in most cases- not wearing expensive things will avoid a possible negative situation that would not be enjoyable.

If you somehow brought something valuable, such as a watch, put it into the Hotel or lodge safe at the front desk.

Custom jewelry you might have picked up at a reasonable price in the West can be stolen – even Ugandan or Rwandan women encounter this problem in crowded.

Again, If you are on a safari with us – such thefts will be a rarity since your driver-guide will ensure you are.

What do I need to know about Safety and Security in Uganda?

Uganda is safe and secure. Something Americans are worried about the most in 201.9. It is one of the most stable countries in all of Africa, and it is also one of the friendliest countries on the continent and, one might add, the best English-speaking country in Africa.

The safest place in Uganda is on a Safari with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, where your well-being and safety come first.

Besides regular police, there is the Tourism Police stationed at tourist destinations throughout the country. Add to that the armed rangers in the Wildlife Parks and the Military.

Uganda is often safer than your country of origin, and the state has no armed conflict.

The problem is that when you tell friends that you are telling friends that you are going on holiday in Uganda, they see it through the minimal filter of Africa, the movies that they have seen, news reports by a reporter stationed in Capetown, and the like. Ugandans are friendly, welcoming, and concerned for the well-being of their people. Visit our Facebook Page for the latest no-spin safety and security updates.

How do you Keep Money out of Sight and Easy Reach of Others? 

If you are wearing slacks or jeans, put your wallet and Money in your pockets and put your hand over it if you are walking downtown Kampala or Kigali, especially in crowded marketplaces.

When purchasing something, paying in a restaurant or bar, or for a taxi,  do not flash a wad of money, but just enough to pay for the service or product. You do not want to attract the attention of a potential thief.

If you are using an ATM in Uganda or Rwanda, ensure that the ATM is behind a door for your privacy and safety; an armed guard will typically be outside.

Theft of Cash can happen anywhere; it has only happened once in over a decade at a lodge; in this case, the upmarket spa paid back the Money taken.

Click on the links for more advice on handling Money in Uganda.

How do I protect my purse?

It is a good idea to put your bag over your shoulder, hand over the purse, and hold it to your side so that no one can readily grab it. You have lost your wallet and, more importantly, the contents ranging from cash to identification, such as a passport – airline tickets, etc.

It is always good to have a scan or copy of essential documents if they are lost or stolen.

A daypack can be helpful if you can hold the straps to protect it from being stolen.

Be wise – though it is safe to walk alone – go with a Ugandan to be on the safe side of things.

Keep your hand over your bag and tight grip it in towns like Kampala; that is how Ugandan women handle it, and they certainly know what they are doing regarding theft protection.

How do I keep my passport safe?

Do not carry it with you, but a copy of it, and keep it in a safe and secure place in your lodging. The same applies to any other identification and credit cards at your residence.

I have known people whose passports were lost in the process of transport, and they had to go through the tedious task of going to their embassy. In some cases, your country may not have an embassy in Uganda or Rwanda, which makes the replacement of a passport more tedious.

You can print out a copy of your passport at Home and bring it with you. Visa can be done here on arrival at one of our local shops.

Protect your passport at all costs, though the reality is that a passport loss has never occurred with a client of ours since we let them know how to protect relevant documents such as a passport.

Even if you lose your passport – we will assist you in returning home to your country.

Can I walk on my own? – Never act lost even if you are:

Mostly, it is okay, especially in the daytime at night. As a precaution, walking with someone, preferably a Ugandan or Rwandan, is not recommended. Avoid walking through a slum and stay on the main roads.

Never act lost, even if you are. You are working as if you are lost, a potential victim of a theft attack.

Enter into a shop – or get on a Boda-Boda Motorcycle Taxi. They will take you to your destination (even though below, I recommend avoiding a Boda-Boda Motorcycle Taxi.

Remember that thieves are on the lookout for someone who seems lost. That is why you never act lost, even if you are.

Always act as if you know where you are going. Even if you do not, you will soon get there. Use a Boda-Boda motorcycle taxi or a Taxi such as Uber.

How do I get around safely?

Avoid using Boda-Boda Motorcycles – they do not use helmets and dangerous ways to get around jam-packed Kampala. They are also the number one reason for emergency room admissions due to high rates of accidents.

The taxis, which are mini-buses and the main form of transport in much of Uganda and Rwanda, are better but bring small Ugandan or Rwandan currency – to be safe. Do not use your Smartphone, Tablet, or Laptop in  Taxi – Matatu and on a bus. Hold on to it.

Buses – are not the best way – their high and excessive speeds have caused a lot of fatalities. If you take a trip with one – avoid any food or drinks given by a fellow passenger – people have been drugged and robbed right on the bus. Avoid night travel between towns, even by bus – a bus was stopped in Northern Uganda, and all passengers were denied at 2 am.

The Safest Way to get around Uganda or Rwanda is on a Safari with a Tour Company such as ourselves with Driver-Guides, who will make your time in Africa – Safe and Enjoyable.

How do you stay safe on a night out in the town?

Kampala is the City that Never Sleeps, where the party goes 24/7. The bars do not close at 2 am, like in the West.

Kampala’s nightlife is touted as a tourist highlight since it is purported to be the best in Africa. 

It is usually safe for a woman to experience a night on the town in the city that never sleeps with some safety precautions that you will find help.

Go with a local – especially a non-drinking driver who knows their way around to various places and will abstain from alcohol. We can provide a driver for you.

Ugandan Women will dress up from mild to wild, often on what would be considered the daring side.

In Kampala, quite a few women will be Mosquito Girls – Prostitutes. Becoming such was not their goal in life but became a matter of survival, in some cases having Money to raise children and support grandparents or mothers.

How do you defuse Flirtation Attempts?

As a woman, you may encounter an occasional attempt by a male at flirting, but that can happen anywhere in the world, and it does happen here. A smile and a “no thanks” will usually resolve the situation in a friendly manner.

You may get a subtle or not-so-subtle marriage proposal. Again, a smiling “no thank you” will do the trick. Remember that 90% of attempts at flirting are harmless – keep your sense of humor.

A picture of your “husband” – accurate or make-believe- might be helpful. It is a common practice Women Travelers use in destinations around the world.

In Uganda, you might receive a marriage proposal, which is not unusual for a tourist. The same applies to the one-night fling proposal. Receive such recommendations with a smile. You will receive more than one on your night in Kampala town. The Antidote is this: have a picture of a man in your wallet, show it, and say that your husband is another excellent way to avoid flirtation.

What do I have to do to stay well?

You can do some practical things about your well-being while eating out, such as avoiding street vendors since their hygienic ways may not be the best. I have some friends who eat Rolex all the time – not the watch but Rolled Eggs in a chapati with vegetables – a favorite Ugandan dish that some university students innovated and has spread all over Uganda.

Avoid eating salads or raw cabbage on your plate unless it is a good restaurant or Hotel. Avoid those buffets heated only by a small candle where the curries and other things will spoil. With juices, ask if the water has been boiled and if there are no ice cubes, to name a few.

Vegetarians and Vegans can survive in Uganda on a plant-based diet – even gorillas.

Other dietary needs, such as gluten-free, can be met. For more information, read about staying well on the Safari page.

How do I stay in touch with Home?

We used to recommend getting a local SIM card. Today, you need a National ID or go through a cumbersome process with a passport to obtain it.

The easiest way – you do not need an open phone; you need a smartphone that will work with WiFi – is to stay in a hotel, lodge, or restaurant where it will work.

You can use Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter, and you are connected with the rest of the world.

That is, 2019 is the simplest way to stay connected with Family. Technology has changed in recent years, as has the methodology people use to remain associated with Family and friends.

With the Internet, have patience. We have 3-G and 4-G in fewer places; it will be more like 2-G.

We recommend you not post pictures of your time in Uganda while here. Wait until you get home. The reason is that potential thieves read your posts, and you may find an empty home upon return.

Speed- will not often be what you are used to – have patience – Hakuna Matata.

Can I go on a Solo Safari?

Solo-Travelers in Uganda. People do it with mixed results. The attempt to go on a Safari by bus, back of a pickup, or a ride from a tour company vehicle.

We do a reasonable number of Solo Safaris each year, primarily for women. The cost is higher, and the benefits far outweigh the cost for many.

You can have your driver-guide, who will keep you safe and sound on a solo safari in Uganda.

With your input, we create a safari itinerary, and you are off to explore Authentic Africa in the heart of Africa, Uganda.

Solo Safaris, Solo Travel in Uganda – for many, it is worth the extra cost since you control a private safari.

Can I use a hair dryer?

Often, we are asked, “Will my hotels and Safari Lodges have hairdryers that I can use?” That is a tricky question since if you are on a Safari, you are often not on the power grid, and power is provided by solar energy and backed up by generators.

Neither solar nor generator-powered electricity can handle a hairdryer; they use too much power since they require a total capacity of 240 volts. 

When it comes to hairdryers, there is not much good news. In Kampala and Entebbe, you might find hairdryers in luxury or mid-range hotels in other cities. On Safari in the wilderness with lodges and tented camps not on the power grid. These lodges use solar power and generators that do not provide the full ability to run a hairdryer.

We realize that not being able to use a hairdryer will be an inconvenience for some. On the positive, you are in tropical Africa, temperatures are pleasant, and wet hair will not be as uncomfortable as in a northern climate. 

One option is to sit out in the equatorial sun with a cup of morning coffee while your hair dries.

Do you offer Safari Travel Information-Tips – Advice – Uganda?

Suppose you would like to go on a safari in Uganda or Rwanda. Here is some excellent information, tips, and advice to plan a safari that fits you.

We have taken many women travelers on Safari in Uganda or Rwanda with the just driver-tour guide that introduces you to Uganda and Rwanda.

From Primates to wildlife – there is much to do and see in either country. You stay in the lodges and hotels of your choice, do the activities you would like, and here you have all the information you need for that suitable African Safari.

Uganda is a safari destination with ten parks plus wildlife reserves of one kind or another and is Home to Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys. It is and has been the Pearl of Africa.

Take advantage of our free Safari Tips and Advice – you will be glad you did.

Top Travel Tips for Women Travelers to – Uganda – If you have any questions – don’t hesitate to contact us.